Kinesthetic Exercise Support Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A kinesthetic exercise support apparatus is provided assistive of extension and flexion during calisthenics. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus includes a hoop member, a hub member, a handle bar member, and a pair of chock members. The hoop member is disposed girding the hub member and includes a padded surface thereon. The hoop member has a width greater than a width of the hub member whereby the hoop member is caused to laterally overhang the hub member on either side. A handlebar member is insertable transversely through the hub member at each of a central aperture and at least one radial aperture. A pedal assembly is attachable to the handlebar member. A pair of chock members is further provided and devised to stabilize and immobilize the hoop member therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 62/332,254 filed on May 5, 2016.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of are exercise apparatuses are known in the prior art. Most require tensioning of a lever or pulley in some capacity to offset some weight. Some provide ancillary and supportive means to a user while posturing the body into various positions. In the field of yoga, wheels and hoops are typical to the art. In other physical and exercising arts, other wheels and balls are well known for enabling flexion and extension of the abdominal muscles, for example, while supporting the user's torso at arms' length from a handlebars rotatably disposed integral with such wheel or ball.

What is needed, however, is a kinesthetic exercise support apparatus that enables a wider range of calisthenic movements, postures, and exercises, by employment of a singular whole, whereby tension and flexion of a user's body is supportively assisted without a need of changing or switching between devices or components.

The present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus, therefore, includes a hoop member circumferentially disposed girding a hub member, whereby a user may engage the hoop member against the body during calisthenics and supportively assist stretching, for example. The hub member includes a central aperture and at least one radial aperture whereby a handlebar member is insertable to enable brachial engagement of the wheel and provide additional ranges of motion, tension, and flexion, for the user. The at least one radial aperture is disposed for selective positioning of the handlebar member whereby a user may extend or decrease said user's reach to the handlebar member relative the central aperture, for example, and without necessarily rotating the hub member to a preferred position for situation of the handlebar member, whereby a greater range of reach and corresponding positions of the user is enabled.

The hoop member is disposed circumferentially around the hub member and includes a width greater than a width of the hub member whereby the hoop member laterally overhangs the hub member on either side. A user is thereby enabled manual engagement against an exposed interior surface of the hoop member whereby a range of manual positions about the circumference of the hub member is enabled against which a user may tension and flexion said user's limbs and body, for example when stretching supine to grasp the wheel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise and stretching assists, and more particularly, to a kinesthetic exercise support apparatus that includes a hoop member disposed girding a hub member, said hub member having a central aperture and at least one radial aperture disposed therethrough whereby a handlebar member is insertable through each of said central aperture and said at least one radial aperture for manual and brachial engagement, whereby a user may tension said user's torso thereagainst. Stretching along arcs drawn by the hoop member when manual engaged further enable supported stretching and increased comfort and precision in technique. Further, the handlebar member is removable and may be employed as an after exercise assist when a compressible sheath member is disposed thereabouts. The compressible sheath includes a plurality of convexities, or protuberances, whereby pressure applied to a user's body or limb, say, is focused toward targets muscles and sites on the user's body. Additionally, a pair of chock members is included to immobilize the hoop member and enable a stable support against which to conduct further exercises, stretches, and postures, as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the kinesthetic exercise support apparatus, described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a kinesthetic exercise support apparatus which has many novel features that result in a kinesthetic exercise support apparatus which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by prior art, either alone or in combination thereof.

The present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus has been devised to enable selective support of a user's body and limbs while performing calisthenics. The term “calisthenics”, as used herein throughout, is taken to include all inferences ordinarily ascribed the term, including gymnastic movements, tensioned poses, and physical activities employing stretching, tension, and flexion of the body.

The present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus, therefore, enables selective positioning of a hoop member against a user's body, grasping of a handlebar member insertable through a hub member disposed interior to the hoop member for brachial engagement by a user, and, alternately, support of a user by immobilization of the hoop member between each of a pair of chock members positionable to prevent displacement of the hoop member.

The present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus, therefore, includes a hoop member, a hub member disposed concentrically within the hoop member, a handlebar member selectively insertable through the hub member, and a pair of chocks positionable to stabilize the hoop member engaged therebetween and enable immobilization of the hoop member.

The hub member includes a first side, a second side, and a circumferential rim. A central aperture is disposed through the hub member from the first side to the second side and at least one radial aperture is disposed radially relative the central aperture, said at least one radial aperture disposed between the circumferential rim and the central aperture. The handlebar member is insertable through each of the central aperture and the at least one radial aperture whereby a user may grasp the handlebar member and tension their body by voluble action of the hoop member between an extension and a flexion, for example, whereby rolling of the hoop member around the axis of the handlebar member enables translocatable support across a ground surface. The at least one radial aperture is usable to provide an axis effective of an eccentric rotation and, also, a desirable position more proximal a user's reach, for example, than the central aperture, say, wherein a user may preferentially select brachial engagement of the handlebar member inserted through the at least one radial aperture over brachial engagement of the handlebar member inserted through the central aperture. Thus degrees of stretching, for example, are enabled relative the determined position of the handlebar member. In the preferred embodiment herein illustrated, the at least one radial aperture includes six equidistantly spaced apertures radially disposed surrounding the central aperture. Thus a user may select one of the six radial apertures for insertion of the handlebar member, when desired, without necessarily rotating the hoop member to position the at least one radial aperture at a preferred location relative the user.

The handlebar member includes a pair of grip members devised to be tactile and conformable to a user's hands. Each of the pair of grip members is attachable endwise to the handlebar member. At least one of the pair of grip members may need to be detached to accommodate insertion of the handlebar member into the central aperture and, alternately, the at least one radial aperture.

The hoop member is disposed circumferentially exteriorly upon the circumferential rim of the hub member. The hoop member has a width greater than the width of the hub member whereby the hoop member is disposed to laterally overhang the hub member over each of the hub member first and second sides. An exposed interior surface of the hoop member is thus graspable by a user on either side of the hub member. A user may, therefore, grasp the exposed interior surface when, for example, stretching supine to the hoop member whereby manual engagement of the hoop member enables support for the user while maintaining a pose and, also, an antagonistic surface against which to pull and/or push.

For comfort when engaging the body against the hoop member a padded surface is disposed exteriorly and circumferentially upon the hoop member. The padded surface is contemplated to be yielding and generally soft to the touch to accommodate the body of a user comfortably thereagainst without compromising volubility of the hoop member. Thus the padded surface is contemplated to be a semi-firm, rigid, tactile, and yielding surface, rendered for example of polymer or another rubberlike compound suited for conformable engagement against the body of a user.

In order to immobilize the hoop member when stability and immobility is desirable, a pair of chock members is included. Each of the pair of chock members is devised to present a concave surface to contact and engage against the hoop member whereby the hoop member is prevented from volubility or displacement. The pair of chock members are thus usable when a user desires to render the hoop member immovable during calisthenics as when, for example, a user is caused to stand upon the hoop member, for example, or otherwise push or pull against the immobilized hoop member as a base or other support.

A compressible sheath member is also included and devised for action effected by the handlebar member. The compressible sheath member is fittable to encompass the handlebar member (when one of the pair of grip members is removed) whereby a user may thence engage the compressible sheath member against said user's body to apply pressure and relief to the body and thus assist removal of lactic acid from strained and fatigued muscles. The compressible sheath member includes a plurality of convexities, or other protuberances, thereupon devised to focus pressure upon targeted muscles and sites upon the body, when a user engages the handlebar member with compressible sheath member thereagainst.

Thus has been broadly outlined the more important features of the present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Objects of the present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus, along with various novel features that characterize the invention are particularly pointed out in the claims forming a part of this disclosure. For better understanding of the kinesthetic exercise support apparatus, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, refer to the accompanying drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 5A is an in-use view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B is an in-use view of an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of a handlebar member and a compressible sheath member fittable overtop the handlebar member.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the handlebar member illustrating detachment of one of a pair of grip members.

FIG. 8 is an in-use view of an example embodiment of the handlebar member with compressible sheath member installed.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an example embodiment of pedal assembly attached to the handlebar member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1 through 9 thereof, example of the instant kinesthetic exercise support apparatus employing the principles and concepts of the present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus and generally designated by the reference number 10 will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9 a preferred embodiment of the present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus 10 is illustrated.

The present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus 10 has been devised to assist a user in performing various stretches and exercises during calisthenics by enabling volubility of a hoop member 40 supportively engaged against the body of a user, presentation of a handlebar member 50 for brachial engagement by the user, and stabilization of the hoop member 40 arrested between a pair of chock members 60 for immobilized support of the user.

The present kinesthetic exercise support apparatus 10, therefore, includes a cylindrical hub member 20 girded circumferentially by a hoop member 40, as will be described subsequently. The hub member 20 includes a first side 22, a second side 24, and a circumferential rim 26. A central aperture 28 is disposed through the hub member 20 from the first side 22 to the second side 24 and at least one radial aperture 30 is disposed through the hub member 20 situated radially between the central aperture 28 and the circumferential rim 26. In the preferred embodiment herein disclosed, the at least one radial aperture 30 includes a plurality of radial apertures equidistantly disposed surrounding the central aperture 28. In the embodiment depicted in the accompanying drawings, the plurality of radial apertures includes six radial apertures, equally spaced apart so as to enable expedient insertion of a handlebar member 50 without a concurrent need to rotate the hub member to a desired position, as will be described subsequently.

A hoop member 40 is disposed circumferentially girding the hub member 20 upon the circumferential rim 26. The hoop member 40 has a width disposed to laterally overhang the hub member 20 over both the first and second sides 22, 24 whereby an exposed interior surface 42 of the hoop member is graspable by a user when stretching, as desired. The handlebar member 50 is insertable through the central aperture 28, and alternately through the at least one radial aperture 30, whereby the handlebar member 50 is positionable centrally through the hub member 20 (and therefore at a maximum distance away from the hoop member 40) and, alternately, more proximal the hoop member 40 whereby less vigorous action is required to reach the handlebar member 50 during stretching, as will be described subsequently.

For comfort when wielding the hoop member 40 against the body of a user, a compressive and yielding padded surface 44 is disposed exteriorly circumferentially upon the hoop member 40. Engagement of the hoop member 40, therefore, against the body of a user during stretching, for example, is therefore not uncomfortable. Various stretches may, therefore, be employed wherein the hoop member 40 is employed to support the body, or particularly a limb of the user, in tensioned situation thereagainst (see for example FIGS. 5A and 5B). The hoop member 40 is thus positionable against the body of a user and assistive during exercise and calisthenics, and the handlebar member 50 is also insertable into the central aperture 28, and alternately the at least one radial aperture 30, for brachial engagement by the user and thereby assistive when stretching.

In the embodiment herein depicted, the handlebar member 50 further comprises a pair of grip members 52 devised for tactility and comfort in the grasp of a user. Each of the pair of grip members 52 is attachable endwise to the handlebar member 50. The handlebar member 50 may require detachment of one of the pair of grip members 52 for insertion through the central aperture 28 and alternately insertion through the at least one radial aperture 30.

A compressible sheath member 54 is provided and selectively positionable exteriorly around the handlebar member 50. The compressible sheath member 54 includes a plurality of convexities 56 disposed for tactile engagement against the body of a user whereby rotation of the handlebar member 50 against the body of a user enables selectively targeted pressure to particular and desired muscles. Attachment of the compressible sheath member 54 to the handlebar member 50 may be effected when one of the pair of grip members 52 is first detached from the handlebar member 50. The handlebar member 50 is thus usable as a recuperative aid before and after exercise and stretching.

A pedal assembly 80 is also included, said pedal assembly including a pair of pedals 82 installable endwise attached to the handlebar member 50. Each of the pair of pedals 82 includes a parallelepiped member 84 having a top surface 86, a bottom surface 88, a proximal edge 90, and a distal edge 92. A pivot member 94 is disposed perpendicularly from the proximal edge 90, said pivot member 94 disposed in a lateral plane in parallel with the top surface 86. The pivot member 94 is connectable to an adapter portion 96 disposed to interconnect the pedal 82 to the handlebar member 50. A foot guard 98 is disposed in arced engagement overtop the top surface 86 from the proximal edge 90 to the distal edge 92. A user may, therefore, attach the pair of pedals 82 to the handlebar member 50 whereby engagement with the user's feet is enabled for balance upon the pedal assembly 80 during calisthenics and alternatively to position the user's feet engaged atop each of the pair of pedals 82 during stretching exercises, as may be desired.

The hoop member 40 is thus volubly employable and moveable engaged against the body of a user to assist in a variety of calisthenics stretching and exercising applications. To stabilize the hoop member 40, however, and enable immobilized support during exercise and stretching, as may be desired, a pair chock members 60 is provided, each of said pair of chock members 60 devised to arrest rotation of the hoop member 40 when said hoop member 40 is engaged therebetween. Each of the pair of chock members 60 includes a base surface 62, a posterior surface 64 disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface 62, a top surface 66 disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the posterior surface 64 and parallel the base surface 62, an anterior surface 68 disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface 62 and parallel the posterior surface 64, and a concave surface 70 disposed between the top surface 66 and the anterior surface 68, said concave surface 70 curved to accommodate at least a portion of the hoop member 40 and padded surface 44 thereagainst.

A user may therefore position each of the pair of chock members 60 engaged against the hoop member 40 and prevent displacement of the hoop member 40 when performing exercises that require enhanced stability as provided by an immovable support, wherein the hoop member 40 is immobilized therebetween. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A kinesthetic exercise support apparatus devised to assist a user during calisthenics, said kinesthetic exercise support apparatus comprising: a cylindrical hub member having: a first side; a second side; a central aperture disposed through the hub member from the first side to the second side; a circumferential rim; at least one radial aperture disposed through the hub member, said at least one radial aperture disposed radially between the central aperture and the circumferential rim; a hoop member disposed circumferentially girding the hub member upon the circumferential rim, said hoop member having a width disposed to laterally overhang the hub member over both the first and second sides; and a handlebar member insertable through the central aperture and alternately the at least one radial aperture; wherein the hoop member is positionable against the body of a user assistive during exercise and calisthenics, and the handlebar member is insertable into the central aperture and alternately the at least one radial aperture for brachial engagement by the user assistive when stretching.
 2. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a padded surface disposed exteriorly circumferentially upon the hoop member, said padded surface compressive and yielding to the touch.
 3. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the handlebar member further comprises a pair of grip members, each of said pair of grip members attachable endwise thereto.
 4. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus of claim 3 wherein the handlebar member further comprises a pedal assembly attachable to the handlebar member, said pedal assembly comprising: a pair of pedals, each of said pair of pedals having a parallelepiped member, a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal edge, a distal edge; a pivot member disposed perpendicularly projected from the proximal edge in a lateral plane parallel with the top surface; an adapter portion connectable endwise into the handlebar member; and a foot guard disposed arced overtop the top surface from the proximal edge to the distal edge; wherein the pedal assembly is fittable to the handlebar member and a user is enabled to stand upon the handlebar member when said handlebar member is inserted through the hub member whereby a user may perform balancing and leg exercises in tension against the handlebar member.
 5. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus of claim 4 wherein the handlebar member further comprises a compressible sheath member exteriorly positionable around the handlebar member, said compressible sheath member including a plurality of convexities disposed for tactile engagement against a body of a user.
 6. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a pair of chock members, each of said pair of chock members devised to arrest rotation of the hoop member when said hoop member is engaged therebetween, each of said pair of chock members comprising: a base surface; a posterior surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface; a top surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the posterior surface, said top surface disposed parallel the base surface; an anterior surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface, said anterior surface disposed parallel the posterior surface; and a concave surface disposed between the top surface and the anterior surface, said concave surface curved to accommodate at least a portion of the hoop member and pad member thereagainst.
 7. A kinesthetic exercise support apparatus comprising: a hub member having: a first side; a second side; a central aperture disposed through the hub member from the first side to the second side; a circumferential rim; at least one radial aperture disposed through the hub member, said at least one radial aperture disposed radially between the central aperture and the circumferential rim; a hoop member disposed circumferentially girding the hub member upon the circumferential rim, said hoop member having a width disposed to laterally overhang the hub member over both the first and second sides; a padded surface disposed exteriorly circumferentially upon the hoop member; a handlebar member insertable through each of the central aperture and alternatively the at least one radial aperture; each of a pair of grip members attachable endwise to the handlebar member; and a compressible sheath member exteriorly positionable around the handlebar member; wherein the hoop member is positionable against the body of a user and assistive during exercise and calisthenics, and the handlebar member is insertable into the central aperture, and selectively into the at least one radial aperture, for brachial engagement by the user assistive when stretching.
 8. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a pair of chock members, each of said pair of chock members devised to arrest rotation of the hoop member when said hoop member is engaged therebetween, each of said pair of chock members comprising: a base surface; a posterior surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface; a top surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the posterior surface, said top surface disposed parallel the base surface; an anterior surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface, said anterior surface disposed parallel the posterior surface; and a concave surface disposed between the top surface and the anterior surface, said concave surface curved to accommodate at least a portion of the hoop member and pad member thereagainst.
 9. The kinesthetic exercise support apparatus of claim 8 wherein the handlebar member further comprises a pedal assembly attachable to the handlebar member, said pedal assembly comprising: a pair of pedals, each of the pair of pedals having a parallelepiped member, a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal edge, a distal edge; a pivot member disposed perpendicularly projected from the proximal edge in a lateral plane parallel with the top surface; an adapter portion connectable endwise into the handlebar member; and a foot guard disposed arced overtop the top surface from the proximal edge to the distal edge; wherein the pedal assembly is fittable to the handlebar member and a user is enabled to stand upon the handlebar member when said handlebar member is inserted through the hub member whereby a user may perform balancing and leg exercises in tension against the handlebar member.
 10. A kinesthetic exercise support apparatus comprising: a hub member having: a first side; a second side; a central aperture disposed through the hub member from the first side to the second side; a circumferential rim; at least one radial aperture disposed through the hub member, said at least one radial aperture disposed radially between the central aperture and the circumferential rim; a hoop member disposed circumferentially girding the hub member upon the circumferential rim, said hoop member having a width disposed to laterally overhang the hub member over both the first and second sides; a padded surface disposed exteriorly circumferentially upon the hoop member; a handlebar member insertable through each of the central aperture and alternatively the at least one radial aperture; each of a pair of grip members attachable endwise to the handlebar member; a compressible sheath member exteriorly positionable around the handlebar member; a pedal assembly attachable to the handlebar member, said pedal assembly comprising: a pair of pedals, each of the pair of pedals having a parallelepiped member, a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximal edge, a distal edge; a pivot member disposed perpendicularly projected from the proximal edge in a lateral plane parallel with the top surface; an adapter portion connectable endwise into the handlebar member; a foot guard disposed arced overtop the top surface from the proximal edge to the distal edge; a pair of chock members comprising: a base surface; a posterior surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface; a top surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the posterior surface, said top surface disposed parallel the base surface; an anterior surface disposed perpendicularly edgewise abutting the base surface, said anterior surface disposed parallel the posterior surface; and a concave surface disposed between the top surface and the anterior surface, said concave surface curved to accommodate at least a portion of the hoop member and pad member thereagainst; wherein the hoop member is positionable against the body of a user and assistive during exercise and calisthenics, and the handlebar member is insertable into the central aperture, and selectively into the at least one radial aperture, for brachial engagement by the user assistive when stretching. 